GRAND CALIFORNIAN HOTEL/DISNEYLAND

For those of you living under a rock (Geico humor), Finn's birthday is in March.  We decided as a family to head to Disneyland for a few days to celebrate his 5th birthday. 

During February and March, in-park hotels offer a 40% discount to SoCal residents.  (I also used my AAA membership for an additional 10% discount).  What this means?  We spent two nights at the Grand California Resort Hotel & Spa and 3 days in the park!  It was worth every dollar spent.

Our room came with a bunk bed for Finn along with a balcony overlooking Downtown Disney.  When we checked in, there were balloons for Finn along with themed Disney chocolates and a signed photograph to Finn from Buzz Lightyear.  He still asks me how Buzz knew were were going to be staying at the hotel.  My answer....MAGIC.

Todd on the balcony, enjoying pistachio's while listening to a live Jazz band playing below.

We used the hotel pool everyday we were there,

it was heated and had two slides!

Todd already in the pool waiting for Finn to take the plunge.

Second morning found us relaxing in the Hearthstone lounge before Magic Mornings began (hotel guests are allowed to enter Disneyland 1 hour early), everywhere we went they were children friendly.  Why can't it be this way everywhere? 

Finn and Todd entering the Matterhorn, I was in the bobsled behind.  Only complaint Finn had was the Abominable Snowman with glowing red eyes.

You can't visit Disneyland without riding the Teacups....Todd and Finn made me sick!  Note to self, skip the Teacups next visit.

Tarzan's Tree house

Finn's favorite, you can tell by the smile on his face

One of the benefits of staying at an "In Park" hotel is that you can head back to the hotel in the afternoon to relax and refresh before heading back to Disneyland for evening entertainments, relaxing to Finn and Todd meant heading back to the hotel pool for more water fun.

There goes my oldest child......AKA Todd, a few weeks later I am still trying to figure out who had more fun, Finn or Todd.

Finn going down the Toddler slide, he had to try out all the slides to make sure he wasn't missing out on anything.

Finn loved the balcony view as much as the rest of us.  There is something secretive about watching people without them realizing that you are......must be Big Brother Syndrome.

Finn waiting in line for Indiana Jones.  This was Finn's first visit to Disneyland where he was tall enough to ride all the rides!

Finn loved Dumbo, so did I.  One of my favorites!

Our third morning was spent relaxing in the main lounge enjoying Mocha's and Lattes by the fire before heading out to the park.   Staying at the Grand Californian Hotel spoiled us, it is going to be hard going back without staying at the hotel. 

Finn and Todd on the Jumping Jellyfish

Our third day was spent exclusively at California Adventure, the park directly across from Disneyland.  Another benefit of staying at the Grand California is the private entrance into California Adventure....it made it so much easier and you instantly feel like a VIP. 

The rapid adventure looked amazing. Finn wanted to go again...I passed on this one, I didn't want to spend the rest of the day walking around in soggy, wet clothes!  Can you spot Finn? 

Wonder who Finn is waving at? 

A California Brown Bear?

                        Redwood Creek Challenge Trail

I had to drag both Todd and Finn off of this structure.  It even had a zip-line down below for the children.  Finn would have spent the entire day zip-lining. 

Batman sliding down a California Redwood

The green army men put on a little show with rifles and song!  Finn wanted to follow them throughout the entire park. 

In the past I have not been a fan of California Adventure, my heart remained true to Disneyland.  This visit changed my mind, they've added a few more shows and there was more interaction with live characters throughout the park.  World of Color is worth it alone!  I must not forget Soarin'....I can't wait to go back, next best thing to flying my own Piper Cub.

Every vacation must come to an end, time to say goodbye to the Happiest Place on Earth.  While I proceeded with the checkout process, Finn relaxed in a child size Mission rocker and watched a Disney movie that the hotel plays continuously.  

If you ever get the chance, stay at the Grand California.  They went above and beyond to make sure we had the most enjoyable time, and the extra care provided for the younger guest was phenomenal.